# conformation

/kɒnfɔːmˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conformation
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the way something is built or shaped. In medicine, it describes how a part of the body is formed and how it fits with the rest of the body.

For teachers: the shape, structure, or form of something. In a medical context, it refers to the structural development and alignment of a body part relative to the rest of the organism.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the conformation of the patient's spine.
- The breed standard for the dog includes specific requirements for its conformation to ensure it is healthy and functional.
- While the patient's overall height was normal, the conformation of the lower limb suggested a developmental issue that required further imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.